Upon exiting the ranks of Megadeth, the world eagerly awaited news as to what was next for Chris Broderick (guitars) and Shawn Drover (drums). The duo recently announced their worldwide signing to Metal Blade Records for their new group, Act Of Defiance, which is rounded out by Henry Derek (ex-Scar The Martyr) on vocals and Matt Bachand (Shadows Fall) on bass. They are currently working on their debut offering with world renowned producer Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Hatebreed, Shadows Fall). Look for this album to be released sometime this summer.

Drover has checked in with the following update:

“As of 5:00 PM EST today, the Act Of Defiance record is now 100% mixed and mastered! To finally hear the finished product after all the work we have all done to make this the best piece of Heavy Metal music we could, makes me truly happy beyond words! Huge thanks to the mighty Chris 'Zeuss' Harris for being so amazing and easy to work with and sharing the same musical vision!

At the same time, we have also finalized the record artwork with the amazing artist, Travis Smith, and picked the title for the record today as well. Yes, it has been quite a productive day finalizing the things that needed to be done. We are on schedule to the day of what we originally predicted (hoped, really) the record to be completed and turned into Metal Blade.

Lots more updates on all thing’s AOD related in due time, believe me."

 

 

In the meantime, listen to a rough demo snippet of the track “Throwback” via the YouTube clip below.

Broderick previously stated: "I am so excited to finally be able to announce Act Of Defiance to the world. Shawn just finished tracking drums the first week of February and his performance and tones are simply incredible. I have started tracking rhythms and leads, as well as working with Henry to get final vocal takes while Matt will record bass at his studio. The final mix and mastering will also be handled by Zeuss. I am also very honored to announce that we have signed with Metal Blade Records. There is not a better label to be on than one where the employees (and owner) still understand and listen to METAL! They have shown a loyalty, backing and drive for their artists that few other labels have. As for our music, I am really enjoying the ability to create what is a killer mix of thrash and modern metal. It has a unique combination ranging from thrash to classical influences. I am very proud of what we have written and hope that you all dig it.”

Drover added: "Having our new band, Act Of Defiance, sign with Metal Blade Records is a real thrill for me. I started my musical career with Brian Slagel and the Metal Blade family many years ago, so to come full circle at this point is a real musical home-coming, of sorts. I couldn’t be happier about that. What thrills me the most is the fact that myself, Chris Broderick, Henry Derek and Matt Bachand all have in common is that from the get-go, we wanted this band to be 100% PURE Heavy Metal! No compromises, no ulterior motives other than making the best HEAVY METAL music we can. Metal Blade shares this vision, which really puts us all on the same page, musically.”

Bachand stated: "I couldn't be more excited to begin this new adventure with Act Of Defiance. The positive energy that has collected between the four of us in such a little amount of time has been nothing short of incredible. Writing bass lines is something new for me as well, and I am looking forward to the challenge. All the songs are coming together great and I can't wait for the world to hear this."

Derek commented: "I’m extremely honored and excited to be a part of AOD. Everyone has been super cool and supportive, which is always a huge plus. I know this is going to be an awesome musical experience and the fact that I’m embarking on this journey with good people means everything. Cheers."

Brian Slagel: “I am super excited to welcome Act Of Defiance to the Metal Blade family. I have known Chris and Shawn over the years and really admired their work. I am honoured to be able to work with these two legendary musicians. Really excited to work with all the guys on this exciting new band!"

 

Norwegian progsters, Leprous, will release their new studio album, The Congregation, on May 25th in Europe and June 2nd in North America via InsideOutMusic. The Congregation will be available as standard jewelcase CD, digital download as well as limited import mediabook CD and 2LP editions. Physical versions feature bonus track "Pixel". The album track “Rewind” can now be heard streaming below.

The album's epic artwork was created by artist Nihil, and can be seen below. Says the band, "The artwork represents the album's dark theme very well by showing deformation and disturbance.”

 

 

The tracklisting for the 65-minute release is as follows:

“The Price”
“Third Law”
“Rewind”
“The Flood”
“Triumphant”
“Within My Fence”
“Red”
“Slave”
“Moon”
“Down”
“Lower”

“Rewind”:

“The Price” video:

Leprous recorded the drums, guitars and bass for the new album in Sweden's Fascination Street / Ghostward Studios with David Castillo (Katatonia, Opeth) and the vocals together with Heidi Solberg Tveitan and Vegard Tveitan at Mnemosyne Studios in Norway. Just like the preceding albums Bilateral and Coal, The Congregation was mixed by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios (Opeth, Symphony X, Kreator).

 

 

European Tour:

September
25 - Bergen, Norway - Garage

October
2 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Forbraendingen
3 - Cologne, Germany - Euroblast Festival
4 - Baarlo, The Netherlands - Progpower Europe
5 - Paris, France - Le Divan Du Monde
6 - Nantes, France - Le Ferrailleur
8 - Lisbon, Portugal - RCA club
9 - Madrid, Spain - Caracol
10 - Murcia, Spain - Garaje
11 - Barcelona,, Spain - Apolo 2
12 - Lyon, France - Ninkasi Kao
13 - London,, UK - Garage
14 - Manchester, UK - Ruby Lounge
15 - Bristol, UK - The Fleece
16 - Maasmechelen, Belgium - Jan Hertog
17 - Karlsruhe, Germany - Substage
19 - Milano, Italy - Legend Club
24 - Bratislava, Slovakia - Majestic Club
25 - Prague, Czech Republic - Nova Chmelnice
26 - Warszaw, Poland - Progresja
27 - Riga, Latvia - Rockcafe
28 - Helsinki, Finland - Nosturi
30 - Stockholm, Sweden - Bryggarsalen
31 - Oslo, Norway - John Dee

More dates to be added soon.

European Festivals:

June
5 - Nijmegen, The Netherlands - Fortarock Festival

July
11 - Barcelona, Spain - BeProgMyFriend Festival

October
3 - Cologne, Germany - Euroblast Festival
4 - Baarlo, The Netherlands - Progpower Europe

Leprous about the upcoming tour: "So we're heading out again, and we're more eager than ever to hit the road! It's a bunch of good cities we already know, and we simply can't wait to return. The preparations for the tour have already started, as to perform the new songs is a very challenging task. When we in addition are working to take our live performance up to a new level, I believe we have some busy months ahead of us."

Leprous lineup 2015:

Einar Solberg - Lead Vocal, Keys
Tor Oddmund Suhrke - Guitars
Øystein Landsverk - Guitars
Baard Kolstad - Drums

Mike Portnoy (Winery Dogs, ex-Dream Theater) sat in with Motor City proggers Tiles for an impromptu version of Rush’s “The Spirit Of Radio”. Portnoy introduced the enthusiastic crowd by saying: “…Tiles was Dream Theater’s opening band 15-years ago on the Scenes From A Memory tour.  It’s so good to see these guys and so good to see you guys – thank you!”

Tiles took time out from the studio to open the Haken/Next To None show at the Token Lounge in Detroit. Portnoy is traveling with his son Max, who is the drummer in prog-metal teen upstarts Next To None. N2N releases their debut album A Light In The Dark on June 30th.

Tiles will begin mixing their new double album, Pretending To Run, with producer Terry Brown (Rush) next month.

 

Video footage of HALESTORM performing an acoustic version of the band's song "Amen" at the studios of SiriusXM's Octane can be seen below.

HALESTORM's third album, "Into The Wild Life", sold around 56,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 5 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"Into The Wild Life" was released on April 14. The CD follows up 2012's "The Strange Case Of…" and is already being described as HALESTORM's most diverse and adventurous record yet.

HALESTORM singer Lzzy Hale told The Pulse Of Radio that the band set out to make a unified album despite its many different sounds. "This entire record is like one big song with different elements to it, so it's hard to pick it apart — for me, it's hard to pick it and say, 'Oh, well, that's my favorite song,' because they all don't sound alike and each one lends itself to the other," she said.

In addition to its Grammy win, HALESTORM is the first female-fronted rock band to lodge three consecutive No. 1 tracks at the top of the rock radio chart.

HALESTORM began a North American tour with THE PRETTY RECKLESS on April 22 in Nashville.

Southern California's old school metal band, Night Demon, will hit the road this weekend through mid-summer on DIY tour of North America. The band released their debut album, Curse Of The Damned, in January of this year and just completed a full European tour.

They are also excited for the release of their new single, "Satan”, out now. Check out the epic jam below:

Lead singer/bassist Jarvis Leatherby had this to say about the upcoming tour (which he booked himself): "Right on the heels of our ten week European tour, we are ready to hit the states in support of our new album Curse Of The Damned. We will be performing shows all across this great land of ours in the following two and a half months, with support from the greatest local heavy metal bands in their respected areas. Much of this was booked on a DIY level, with extreme concentration on playing the right shows with the right promoters. Most of these will be headlining shows featuring the most comprehensive Night Demon setlist to date. We are primed and ready to fly the flag high for American heavy metal!"

 

 

Tour dates:

May
2 - Phoenix, AZ - Joe's Grotto
3 - Albuquerque, NM - Burt's Tiki Lounge
5 - Midland, TX - Blue Max
6 - Dallas, TX - Boiler Room
7 - San Antonio, TX - Korova Basement
8 - Houston, TX - Fitzgerald's
9 - Austin, TX - Lost Well
10 - New Orleans, LA - Siberia
13 - Orlando, FL - Back Booth
14 - Miami, FL - Churchills
16 - Asheville, NC - The Odditorium
17 - Wilmington, NC - Reggie's 42nd St. Tavern
18 - Washington D.C. - The Pinch
19 - Fredrick, MD - Cafe 611
20 - Richmond, VA - Strange Matter
22  - Montreal Canada - Piranha Bar
23 - Toronto, Canada - The Hard Luck
28 - Portland, ME - Genos
29 - Providence, RI - Firehouse 13
30 - Peterborough, NH - The Wreck Room

June
1 - Buffalo, NY - Broadway Joe's
2 - Pittsburgh, PA - TBA
3 - Hilliard, OH - Satan's Den
4 - Covington, KY - Backstage Cafe
6 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Ballroom
8 - Detroit, MI - Corktown Tavern
9 - Chicago, IL - Livewire Lounge
10 - Fort Wayne, IN - Brass Rail
11 - Louisville, KY - The New Vintage
18 - Kansas City, MO - Riot Room w/starkill
19 - Wichita, KS - Lizard Lounge
21 - St. Louis, MO - Fubar
23 - Madison, WI - The Wisco
24 - Minneapolis, MN - Palmers Bar
26 - LaCrosse, WI - Warehouse
27 - Des Moines, IA - Vaudeville Mews
29 - Omaha, NE (CF) Hideout

July
2 - Salt Lake City, UT - Bar X
3 - Boise, ID - The Shredder
4 - Missoula, MT -Missoula VFW
7 - Seattle, WA - High Line
9 - Portland, OR -Rotture
10 - Eugene, OR - Wandering Goat
11 - San Francisco, CA - TBA
12 - Los Osos, CA - Sweet Springs Saloon
17 - Ventura, CA - Bombay
18 - Los Angeles CA - Loaded

See BraveWords scribe Greg Prato’s new Night Demon feature here.

 

Former STATIC-X bassist Tony Campos has left SOULFLY and joined FEAR FACTORY.

Campos, who is currently touring with MINISTRY, says in a statement: "[FEAR FACTORY] is the gig I wanted when STATIC-X was falling apart, and I'm really excited that I finally get to do it.

"My first show with them will be at Amnesia Rockfest [in Montebello, Quebec, Canada] on June 20th, the day after I play with MINISTRY at Amnesia Rockfest.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Max and Gloria Cavalera, and the whole SOULFLY tribe for the incredible opportunity they gave me. It was a great three-plus years, and I enjoyed every minute of it. You have my eternal gratitude, love, and respect, and I hope we can work together again in the future."

Campos made his live debut with SOULFLY on July 31, 2011 at the Lokerse festival in Lokeren, Belgium and played on the band's last three studio albums: 2012's "Enslaved", 2013's "Savages" and the upcoming "Archangel".

FEAR FACTORY's most touring lineup included bassist Matt DeVries, previously of CHIMAIRA (where he played guitar) and SIX FEET UNDER.

FEAR FACTORY is putting the finishing touches on the follow-up to 2012's "The Industrialist" for a late 2015 release via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.

Brazilian thrashers Blackning have released a new video for the track “Unleash Your Hell”, taken from the band's latest album, Order Of Chaos. The clip can be found below.

 

 

Order Of Chaos includes a cover of “Children Of War”, originally recorded by the legendary Brazilian band Overdose. The production of the album was done by Fabiano Penna, who in addition to be producer, sound technician, soundtracks composer, also has played in two Brazilian legends, The Ordher and Rebaelliun. The cover was created by artist Marcus Zerma.

 

 

Order Of Chaos tracklisting:

“Thy Will Be Done”
“Terrorzone”
“Unleash Your Hell”
“Against All”
“Death Row”
“Silence Of The Defeat”
“Devouring The Weak”
“Censored Season”
“Killing Or Being Killed”
“Children Of War” (Overdose cover)

“Unleash Your Hell” video:

“Thy Will Be Done” video:

 

New Hampshire-based Vattnet Viskar are streaming the title track of their upcoming new album, Settler. The album artwork was created by multimedia artist, Josh Graham (ex-Neurosis, Soundgarden), who also created the video for "Breath Of The Almighty", from the band's Sky Swallower album.
 

 

Settler tracklisting:

“Dawnlands”
“Colony”
“Yearn”
“Impact”
“Glory”
“Heirs”
“Settler”
“Coldwar”

“Settler”:

 
Settler will be out June 16th in North America (June 29th in Europe) via Century Media Records. The album was recorded at Earth Analog Studios in Champaign, IL with producer Sanford Parker (Minsk, Voivod).

Before Settler's release, the band will embark on an east coast run, ending at Maryland Deathfest, where they will share the stage alongside Napalm Death, Triptykon, Amorphis, and more. See below for all upcoming dates.
 
May
16 - Milly's Tavern - Manchester, NH
17 - Parlour - Providence, RI
18 - Great Scott - Allston, MA
20 - Ortliebs - Philadelphia, PA
21 - Saint Vitus - Brooklyn, NY
22 - Rams Head Live - Baltimore, MD (Maryland Deathfest)
 
Vattnet Viskar is:  

Nick Thornbury - Guitar/Vocals
Chris Alfieri - Guitar
Seamus Menihane - Drums
Casey Aylward - Bass

 

This June, Dutch psychedelic rockers Birth Of Joy will release their first live album. Live At Ubu was recorded during two sold out shows on January 29th and 30th in Rennes, France and catches the psychedelic rockers doing what they do best - playing high-energy psychedelic organ rock & roll. Combined with a totally crazy audience this double CD/triple LP will definitely blow your socks off for almost 2.5 hours.

 

 

Influenced by psychedelica, blues and steaming rock and roll this trio takes you back to the good old times of MC5, The Doors and even Pink Floyd. At the same time they introduce a modern twist influenced by stoner, grunge and punk and hence create their own sound. With a drum-player that could be John Bonham's son, an organist that harasses his instrument to death and a singer/guitarist that seems to be the power-incarnation of Jim Morrison, this band is bound to catapult psychedelic rock and roll back into our modern times with an energy you can't resist.

More details to follow.

Fan-filmed video footage of Yngwie Malmsteen's April 26 performance at the Monsters Of Rock festival in São Paulo, Brazil can be seen below.

Yngwie is currently working on a new studio album for a late 2015 release. He told Australia's 3D Radio about the recording process for the CD: "Well, it's changed somewhat because [I have] my [own] recording studio now. And it's in my house. And it's not like a home studio; it's a full-blown studio. And it's in here. And I go in here and I see what happens. If I like what I hear, then I use it. If I don't like it, I don't use it. And in the past, I used to do demos. I would do demos, and rehearse it with the band and you rent the studio and go in and record it and so forth. It was a very different process because by the time it was actually recorded, it had gone through so many stages that the spontaneity was gone. Now, it's here now; it's here now. And it's a lovely thing."

Yngwie released a live album, "Spellbound Live In Tampa", and a live DVD, "Spellbound Live In Orlando", last summer. The two releases represent back-to-back Malmsteen shows.

The CD and DVD, both of which are named after Malmsteen's latest studio album, 2012's "Spellbound", were issued on September 17, 2014.

Interview (audio):

Fan-filmed video footage of Ace Frehley's April 30 performance at Metro Theatre in Sydney, Australia can be seen below.

"Space Invader", the first new solo album from Frehley in five years, sold around 19,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 9 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD arrived in stores on August 19, 2014 via Entertainment One Music (eOne Music).

Ace's previous CD, "Anomaly", opened with around 17,000 units back in September 2009 to debut at No. 27.

"Space Invader", which was made available in Europe on August 18, 2014 (three days earlier in Germany and Scandinavia) through SPV/Steamhammer, includes 11 brand new original songs as well as a cover of Steve Miller's "The Joker".

Frehley's touring lineup includes none other than Richie Scarlet, who rode shotgun performing rhythm guitar and vocal duties on Ace's "Trouble Walking" platter in 1989, and is doing so again on stage. Richie toured with Ace in 1984 and 1985 and periodically from 1989 through 1995 and was also known for touring with Sebastian Bach.

On bass and vocals is Chris Wyse from Queens, New York. Previously recording with Ozzy Osbourne and playing on Mick Jagger's 2001 solo album, Chris is well known as the bass player from THE CULT since 2006. Chris can also be heard on Frehley's new album, "Space Invader", on select tracks. He also covers bass duties in his current band OWL.

Finally, Scot Coogan is behind the drum kit for Frehley's tour. Coogan played with Frehley for five years until 2012 when he left Ace's band to focus on other projects. He has since toured and recorded with LYNCH MOB and sat behind the kit for Lita Ford on the 2012 "Rock Of Ages" tour with DEF LEPPARD and POISON.

When thrash metal legends NUCLEAR ASSAULT announced last year that they would be reforming to celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2015 and undertake what was to be their "Final Assault" world tour, it didn't take long after their initial rehearsals for new music to emerge. The band entered Black Dog studio in Rochester, New York in January of this year and laid down four new songs. Semi-retired bass legend Dan Lilker has described these recordings as "four killer old-school thrash tunes." They are classic NUCLEAR ASSAULT — raw, fast, abrasive and delivered with their inimitable cynicism and vitriol. Written by the long-standing partnership of Lilker and guitarist/vocalist John Connelly (with the lineup completed by drummer Glenn Evans and guitarist Erik Burke) these new songs mark their first recordings since 2005's "Third World Genocide" album and their first EP release since 1988's "Fight To Be Free".

A teaser trailer for the EP is available below.

"Pounder" EP track listing: 01. Pounder02. The Blind Follow (a.k.a. Lies)03. Analogue Man In A Digital World04. Died In Your Arms

The "Pounder" EP will be released on CD and as a digital download on June 1 via drummer Glenn Evans's own Sidipus Records, with a deluxe vinyl version to follow on June 29 by U.K. crossover label Dry Heave Records. NUCLEAR ASSAULT released its first-ever DVD, "Louder Harder Faster", in October 2006 via Screaming Ferret Wreckords. Recorded during the band's performance at the 2005 Louder Harder Faster Festival (taped on June 5, 2005), the disc also includes such extra bits as vintage live footage, slide shows (put to the original "Survive" demos), music videos, in the studio footage, unreleased songs, and an interview with longtime members Danny Lilker and Glenn Evans.

Originally formed back in 1984, NUCLEAR ASSAULT bassist Lilker witnessed the birth of thrash metal first as an original member of ANTHRAX, as well as a crucial component to S.O.D., NUCLEAR ASSAULT and BRUTAL TRUTH.

While many thrash metal bands tempered their aggression with melody, NUCLEAR ASSAULT stuck to its guns throughout and in the process, released such thrash classics as 1988's "Survive" and 1989's "Handle with Care".

After an extended hiatus, the group returned in the early 21st century with its first new studio album in over a decade, 2005's "Third World Genocide".

German death metallers have released a lyric video for the track “Now I Am Become Death”. The track is taken off their upcoming album Inhabitants Of Carcosa, scheduled for a May 15 release through Silverdust Records. 

The album was recorded and produced by Nikita Kamprad at Tonstudio Würzburg & Staffan Karlsson at Sweetspot Satellite in Halmstad / Sweden 2014.

Inhabitants Of Carcosa tracklisting:

“The Flaw Of Flesh”
“God’s Own Creation”
“Now I Am Become Death”
“Re-Animator”
“Ashfall”
“The Tightrope”
“In Carcosa (The Yellow King)”
“Years In The Dark”
“Death Toll”
“Klown”

Vancouver-based Trailight, launched by photographer-turned-musician Omer Cordell, is currently work on a new album, The Primitive Mountain. The new song "We Are The Ocean" featuring members of Annihilator, Devin Townsend  Project and Strapping Young Lad is available below.

The line-up for the song is as follows:

Dave Padden (Annihilator) - vocals
Cory McBain - guitars
Jed Simon (Scar The Martyr, ex-Strapping Young Lad) - guest guitar solo
Ryan Van Poederooyen (Devin Townsend Project) - drums
Omer Cordell - bass, keyboards

The Primitive Mountain's complete tracklist is as follows:

"Open Doors"
"Sentient Beings Pt. 1 - The Dim Future Of Our Distant Past"
"Sentient Beings Pt. 2 - All That We Are"
"We Are The Ocean"
"Frail Human Form"
"The Primitive Mountain"
"Passer By"
"A Thousand Years"
"Navarino"
"Beyond The Rubicon"

Devin Townsend Project drummer Ryan van Poederooyen was asked to record all the drum tracks for the album. He checked in with the following update:

"Here is a song from an album I recorded a month after recording the Z2 double album in 2014. The band is called Trailight, it has many guest appearances from other well know bands; guys like Dave Padden (Annihilator, Terror Syndrome), Jed Simon (Scar The Martyr, ex-SYL), Christofer Malmstrom (Darkane, Non Human Level) and numerous other guest appearances including my close friend Conan Freeman. Here's a sneak peek into the sound of this record. I really enjoyed playing drums on it and dug the tunes! Hope you guys dig it as well.... got some flashy drum parts in the middle of this tune Good times! Enjoy!"

Cordell recently posted a 30 minute behind-the-scenes look at the production which can be viewed below. For information on Trailight go to this location.

A few weeks after unveiling a first audio extract with the song "Tainted Impression", French metallers from Besançon, Khynn, have unleashed a lyric video illustrating the single "Persona", extracted from their brand new full-length album Supersymmetry, expected in the coming months.  

 

 

 

 

 

On May 19th, Unique Leader Records will spew forth the spine-twisting sounds of Sentinel Apocalypse from New England-based progressive death metal oppressors, Eschaton.

Tracked at drummer Darren Cesca's House Of Grind Studios in southern Connecticut, Sentinel Apocalypse is a relentlessly abrasive exercise in technical agility and blatant aggression boasting eleven tracks of methodical guitar sweeps, fierce drum incursions and dominating vocal tirades for fans of the twisted craftings of bands like Carnifex, The Faceless, Necrophagist, The Black Dahlia Murder and Beneath The Massacre.

With the release of Sentinel Apocalypse now just less than a month away, the forbidden sounds of "Falsified Existence" can be enjoyed via the official lyric video.

"Falsified Existence is a blast-beat infested, riff-drunk guttural onslaught packed
into two-and-a-half-minutes of ass-kicking," elaborates the band. "No beating around
the bush, no finesse, just Eschaton trying to beat it into your heads that every track on Sentinel Apocalypse is ruthlessly aggressive. The lyrical concept pertains to being repulsed by mankind's failures and that our desperate clinging to the terms of this false reality must be shed."

Sentinel Apocalypse artwork and tracklisting:

"Obligatory Conviction"
"Behold The Nexus"
"Immortal Mutilation"
"Achromatic Reign"
"Animus"
"Falsified Existence"
"Intergalactic Annihilation"
"The Beast Is Embedded"
"The Beast Is Awakened"
"Cognitive Hatred"
"Sentinel Apocalypse"

The video for "Immortal Mutilation", as well as an album sampler, have also been uploaded.

A theological term that refers to the world during the post historic era of God's overt apocalyptic reign, immediately preceding the end of the world, Eschaton was founded in 2007 near Providence, Rhode Island and manifests a uniquely belligerent, stand-alone sound that's at once harsh and procedural yet wholly-enthralling. Eschaton features vocalist Jason Viteri, guitarist brothers Joshua and Jared Berry, bassist Pat Pattison and drummer Darren Cesca (Pillory, Arsis, Goratory, Incinerate).

 

 

 

 

 

The Devil In California - where else would the devil be, really? California is paradise and a black hole all mixed into one - and The Devil In California seems to understand that. Classic southern-fried but heavy-as-hell rock with a biker look, you know exactly what you're going to get when you first hear these guys: hard rock, attitude, impeccable musicianship, and soaring 3 and 4 part harmonies that crush with historic rock power and finesse.

Comprised of guitarist  Jamie Cronander, vocalist Anthony Malson, guitarist Snake (Skinlab), drummer Eddie Colmenares (Electric Sister), and bassist Matt Stewart, The Devil In California recently released their debut album, Longer Ride Down. The artwork and tracklisting can be found below.

"Black Hand"
"Delta Sludge"
"Sell Me A Reason"
"Numb From The Fall"
"Personal Voodoo"
"Longer Ride Down"
"Empty Rooms"
"Sweeet"
"Gravel Road"
"Middle Man"
"Just In Case"
"Mississippi Queen" (by  Mountain)
"Ycmmhmb"
"P.S.A. (Oh Yeah)"

Enjoy the video for "Black Hand":

Catch The Devil In California live at the following shows:

May
15 - Toot's - Crockett, CA       
22 - Fox Theater - Redwood City, CA      
23 - 19 Broadway - Fairfax, CA 

 

 

Candlelight Records today confirms June 16th as the North American release date for A Dracula, the second full-length album from Las Vegas-based doom metal band, Demon Lung. Produced by Billy Anderson (Neurosis, High On Fire, Eyehategod), the album will be available for pre-order via Amazon, iTunes and physical retailers beginning May 26th and is available for pre-order now via Candlelight's official webstore and BandCamp.

In mid-December, Demon Lung began their second pilgrimage to Oregon to work with Anderson. At the journey's conclusion, eight dark hymns became A Dracula's storyline. Using Juan López Moctezuma's 1977 horror film, Alucarda, as the album's muse, the audio is packaged with unique original art by illustrator Joshua Foster (Pallbearer). Drummer Jeremy Brenton notes, "When we started the writing process, we happened to be deep into an Alucarda obsession. (Vocalist) Shanda (Fredrick) sat down and made an outline for her take on the film and we all started crafting songs to flow with it. Fitting the mood of each riff and melody with the narrative was challenging but it is the most satisfying way for us to write."

Fredrick adds, "Alucarda is a more relatable story for me than our last album's subject matter; which made writing a lot more fun this time around. The heroine in this story is the daughter of Satan, who happens to fall in love with the purest of souls in the convent she resides. She coaxes this soul over to the dark, with only intentions of love but in doing so she dooms her to death by the hands of the nuns. The anger consumes her and she uses her dark powers to resurrect her love and together they kill the convent and then the world. So like I said... it's a lot more fun this time around."

A Dracula comes nearly two years to the date from the successful release of the band's debut, 2013's The Hundredth Name. "While we naturally continued where we left off with The Hundredth Name," shares Brenton, "this album is definitely faster, definitely more epic. We spent twice as much time in the studio with Billy than we did last time and we had more time to experiment.  This was certainly the hardest we have ever worked on anything and we're very proud of the final product."

 

 

A Dracula tracklisting:

“Rursumque Alucarda”
“Behold, The Daughter”
“I Am Haunted”
“Gypsy Cursem”
“Deny The Savior”
“Mark Of Jubilee”
“Rursumque Adracula”
“Raped By The Serpent”

“Rursumque Alucarda”:

A Dracula by Demon Lung

Formed in 2011, Demon Lung self-released their EP, Pareidolia, in early 2012. The band joined the Candlelight roster and unleashed The Hundredth Name a year later. The album featured artwork by English illustrator Tom Gates (Amorphis, Vision Of Disorder).

Demon Lung is Shanda Fredrick and Jeremy Brenton with guitarists Phil Burns and Brent Lynch and bassist Jason Lamb. Tour dates in support of A Dracula will be announced shortly.

 

Aussie rockers, Palace Of The King, have unveiled the cover art and tracklisting for their upcoming album, White Bird - Burn The Sky. The album track “No Chance In Hell” can be heard below.

 

 

Tracklisting:

“Take Your Medicine”
“No Chance In Hell”
“Another Thing Coming”
“Burn My Bridges”
“White Bird (Bring Your Armies Against Me)”
“Ain't Got Nobody To Blame But Myself”
“Leave Me Behind”
“Devil's Daughter”
“Get Back Up (Burn The Sky)”
“If It Ain't Broke”

“No Chance In Hell”:

NO CHANCE IN HELL by PALACE OF THE KING

Band lineup:

Tim Henwood – vocals, percussion
Leigh Maden – lead guitar, harmonica
Matthew Harrison – rhythm guitar
Andrew Gilpin – bass
Anthony Troiano – drums
Sean Johnston – keys/organ

BRUTAL ASSAULT confirms another load of bands for the 2015 edition! Dutch death metal legends ASPHYX will be returning to the fortress once more. Another band receiving glorious appraisal at our fest ANAAL NATHRAKH is returning next year with their mixture of hateful black metal and blasting grindcore. For hardcore fans we've booked a classic New York band BIOHAZARD. Oldschool death metal fans can rejoice as well as we confirm that Swedish all star project BLOODBATH and cult Buffalo butchers CANNIBAL CORPSE will play. The young generation fans of extreme music who appreciate death metal/metalcore fusion can look forward for the show of EMMURE. Britain's fantastic ESOTERIC will make the funeral doom fans happy, while dancewilling youngsters should get ready for ILL NINO. Charismatic Irish veterans PRIMORDIAL and pioneers of post thrash/melo death metal THE HAUNTED will aslo play the festival in 2015.

Polish extreme metallers BEHEMOTH have collaborated with Polish brewery Perun on the band's own brand of beer, dubbed Sacrum. With 6.2 percent alcohol by volume, this Belgian IPA-style ale will be available on May 11.

A video clip promoting the Sacrum release can be seen below.

A number of other bands have previously expanded their brands to include a signature beer. Among the most recent ones is MASTODON, who teamed up with Signature Brew in the U.K. to create Mastodon's Black Tongue, a brew that is an 8.3% double black IPA and was called Signature Brew's "biggest and most powerful creation to date."

IRON MAIDEN famously released its Trooper ale, with its malt flavor and citric notes with a subtle hint of lemon. AC/DC's beer was a German premium lager called Australian Hardrock, which promised to "fire up your tongue like TNT."

MOTÖRHEAD came out with Bastards lager, which was described as "a fruity beer with a wonderful character of light malt."

PEARL JAM's Faithfull Ale, whose release coincided with the 20th anniversary of the band, was a Belgian golden-style brew that came with 10 incremental additions of black currents.

SEPULTURA's signature Weizen beer contained "the aroma and flavors of banana and clove," while MUNICIPAL WASTE's Toxic Revolution was a signature oatmeal stout.

AMON AMARTH offered the honey and smoked malt Ragnarok Porter, while CORROSION OF CONFORMITY came out with Corrosion Of Conformity Imperial Porter, which is aged in a rum barrel while boasting a raisin base.

Fan-filmed video footage of NIGHTWISH's entire April 17 concert in Cleveland, Ohio can be seen below.

NIGHTWISH is currently on the road in North America with special guests SABATON, a Swedish heavy metal band that gives us a history lesson in their songs on war and historical battles, and Dutch female-fronted metallers DELAIN.

NIGHTWISH's new full-length album, "Endless Forms Most Beautiful", was made available on March 27 in Europe and March 31 in the U.S. via Nuclear Blast.

As previously reported, NIGHTWISH will release a new single, the title track of "Endless Forms Most Beautiful", on May 8 as a limited-edition MCD, 10-inch vinyl and as a download. The NIGHTWISH show in Vancouver, British Columbia on April 25 at The Orpheum was filmed for a future DVD release.

Longtime NIGHTWISH drummer Jukka Nevalainen sat out the recording sessions for "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" due to health issues. He has since been replaced by Kai Hahto (WINTERSUN, SWALLOW THE SUN, TREES OF ETERNITY).

Razor & Tie has announced the signing of hard rockers DEVOUR THE DAY to a worldwide deal. The band is currently in the studio with producer Dan Korneff (PARAMORE, LAMB OF GOD, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, PAPA ROACH) working on its new album for a late 2015 release.

DEVOUR THE DAY continues to have a stronghold at rock radio with the band's current single, "Faith", just cracking the Top 20 at Active Rock this week and #23 at Mainstream Rock.

DEVOUR THE DAY will tour this summer with THREE DAYS GRACE starting June 21 through July 30.

Joey Chicago and Blake Allison of DEVOUR THE DAY comment, "Everyone in the DEVOUR THE DAY family is so elated at the opportunity to join the Razor & Tie roster.

"We are thrilled to have the chance to move forward with an exceptional team behind us.

"We feel Razor & Tie will do their best to support us as a functioning and successful business, but more importantly as artists.

"This relationship allows us to continue to be as honest creatively as we have always been, but also takes it a step further in our hope to reach and influence as many people worldwide with our music."

DEVOUR THE DAY's debut album, "Time & Pressure", came out in 2014 and has sold over 20,000 copies so far. The band is a mainstay at rock radio with several songs charting in the Top 25 at Active Rock, including "Good Man", which hit the Top 10 and sold over 100,000 singles.

DEVOUR THE DAY has toured with such acts as IN THIS MOMENT, HELLYEAH, SEVENDUST and THREE DAYS GRACE has played a number of festivals, including Rock On The Range, Carolina Rebellion, Rocklahoma and Welcome To Rockville.

DEVOUR THE DAY is managed by David Cash of Fat Lady Music and represented for touring by Bryan Vastano of The Agency Group.

San Francisco Bay Area thrashers HATCHET have been working on the follow-up to 2013's acclaimed "Dawn Of The End" album (The End Records) since returning from last summer's tour with FLOTSAM AND JETSAM. The upcoming CD will debut the new HATCHET lineup behind founding member, vocalist and lead guitarist Julz Ramos: Clayton Cagle on guitar, Kody Barba on bass, and Ben Smith on drums. The new members have injected the band with a surge of raw energy, and fans of HATCHET will be satisfied with this revived enthusiasm laid into the recordings. Ramos says: "The faster, thrashier tracks hit harder than ever before, while the melodic stuff is catchier and we've even experimented with some heavier, slower tempos."

He continues: "Being in a touring band is not all fun and parties, and it takes a very special discipline. These guys all want to tour and have extensive road experience from their other projects. They have all shown great enthusiasm and commitment the past month with the recording of the new album, and despite the tight time frame, I was pleasantly surprised at how much everyone's contributions really made the songs shine and all of the new members' musical personalities are represented in the sound. I absolutely can't wait to release this album. This is going to be the strongest album yet!"

After releasing two demos, HATCHET's debut album, "Awaiting Evil", was made available in mid-2008 via Metal Blade Records. The CD was well received by thrash enthusiasts around the globe and proved a great beginning for the band. Since the release of the debut, HATCHET has completed three full DIY U.S. tours and has shared the stage with SOILWORK, JEFF LOOMIS, THREAT SIGNAL, BLACK TIDE, CELLADOR, EXMORTUS and FLOTSAM AND JETSAM.

Legendary all-girl British hard rockers GIRLSCHOOL are gearing up to storm North America for the first time in 20 years, reclaiming their rightful place as the hardest-rocking bunch of females to ever destroy a stage. Support on the trek will come from CRUCIFIED BARBARA, OLD JAMES and VELVET BLACK.

GIRLSCHOOL will be previewing tracks from its new album, "Guilty As Sin", set for release later this summer via UDR Music and, as a special treat, will be selling a special-edition EP, "Propaganda!", featuring two songs from the new album ("Take It Like A Band" and "Come, The Revolution"), as well as revisiting two tracks from their classic "Hit And Run" album in the form of re-recorded versions of "Kick It Down" and "Watch Your Step". Rounding out the EP, which is limited to 300 copies, is the girls' blistering cover of the BEE GEES classic "Staying Alive".

Both "Propaganda!" and "Guilty As Sin" were helmed by legendary producer Chris Tsangarides (JUDAS PRIEST, THIN LIZZY, ANVIL).

Tsangarides previously had a brief cooperation with GIRLSCHOOL on the 1983 "1-2-3-4 Rock And Roll" EP.

GIRLSCHOOL issued a re-recorded version of its classic second album, "Hit And Run", complemented by two bonus tracks. Available in Europe since September 2011, "Hit And Run - Revisited" was released in the U.S. in January 2012 via UDR in three versions: a CD digipak, a regular jewel case CD and a vinyl LP with gatefold sleeve.

The authorized memoir by late GIRLSCHOOL guitarist Bernadette Jean "Kelly" Johnson called "Surviving My Friends: The Official Kelly Johnson Story", is now available an e-book at this location. The book was started by Johnson and completed by her friends and family.

GIRLSCHOOL's 30th-anniversary album, "Legacy", was released in Europe in November 2008 via Wacken Records/SPV. "Legacy" featured a plethora of special guests, including Tony Iommi (BLACK SABBATH), Ronnie James Dio (BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, DIO), Lemmy and Phil Campbell from MOTÖRHEAD, "Fast" Eddie Clarke (FASTWAY, ex-MOTÖRHEAD) and a couple of members of TWISTED SISTER.

GIRLSCHOOL's current lineup consists of singer/guitarist Kim McAuliffe, guitarist Jackie Chambers, bassist Enid Williams and drummer Denise Dufort.

Fan-filmed video footage of OZZY OSBOURNE's entire April 25 performance at the Monsters Of Rock festival in São Paulo, Brazil can be seen below.

The setlist for the concert was as follows:

01. Bark At The Moon - 00:0102. Mr. Crowley - 04:3503. I Don't Know - 09:5104. Fairies Wear Boots - 14:3605. Suicide Solution - 20:3206. Road To Nowhere - 23:31 (very short version)07. War Pigs - 24:0708. Shot In The Dark - 31:4109. Iron Man - 36:5110. Crazy Train - 43:3111. Paranoid - 49:19

Ozzy Osbourne told Billboard.com last October that he was "in the process of collecting stuff that I'm writing" for his next solo project and has "about three songs" in various stages of completion. The tracks, which were written primarily with guitarist Billy Morrison (BILLY IDOL, THE CULT, CAMP FREDDY), were described by Ozzy as different than anything he ha done with BLACK SABBATH. "BLACK SABBATH is slow and demonic; Tony Iommi is untouchable for that kind of stuff," Osbourne said. "My stuff is more melodic, more structured of a song. It's more kind of rock than doom-y music. It's happier, kind of."

Ozzy's last solo studio effort was 2010's "Scream". The singer recorded much of the CD in a studio at his home in Los Angeles with producer Kevin Churko, doing most of the writing and recording on computers. He told The Pulse Of Radio he liked working that way but wanted to do something different next time out. "At the end of the day, the end result was pretty cool, but I don't know whether I want to continue to do it that way," he said. "I like to — like the earlier albums, I'd go rehearse and jam out with the band, get some, like, vibe going, you know. I want to incorporate that and this new technology thing, next album."

Ozzy confirmed last week that BLACK SABBATH will head out on its final tour in 2016. The singer broke the news during a press conference on Friday (April 24) in São Paulo. Ozzy revealed, "The plan is that next year [we'll do] the final BLACK SABBATH tour and then it's over," adding, "We all live in different countries and some of them want to work and some of them don't want to, I believe. But we are going to do another tour together."

While indicating that plans for SABBATH "could change," Ozzy also said that he intends to continue recording and touring as a solo artist either way.

Ozzy explained, "I'm still gonna continue my solo career. I'm doing these few [solo] gigs down here [in South America] now. Then at the beginning of next year, I'm going out with SABBATH. The SABBATH thing is folding up after the next tour, but I'm gonna continue my solo career."

Ozzy told The Pulse Of Radio a while back that he has no intention of calling it quits. "I don't wanna stop, you know," he said. "It's been the biggest love affair of my life. When you reach a certain age in rock 'n' roll, people think, 'Well, this has got to be his last tour,' or 'This has got to be his last tour,' or 'You've got to come next Tuesday 'cause he ain't gonna do it after that.' You'll know when I've come off the road permanently. I mean, you'll know!"

Although SABBATH was briefly announced as performing at Ozzfest Japan this fall, the band is now off that bill and Ozzy will be headlining as a solo act "with friends."

Multi-camera fan-filmed video footage of SLIPKNOT performing the song "Sarcastrophe" on February 8 in Hamburg, Germany can be seen below.

SLIPKNOT's "Summer's Last Stand" tour kicks off on July 24 in West Palm Beach, Florida, wrapping up six weeks later on September 5 in Dallas. Joining SLIPKNOT on the road trip will be LAMB OF GOD, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE and MOTIONLESS IN WHITE. The summer jaunt follows a brief spring run that SLIPKNOT launched on April 25 at the Fort Rock festival in Fort Myers, Florida, ending on May 16 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The last single released from SLIPKNOT's new album, ".5: The Gray Chapter", which came out in October, was called "Custer".

".5: The Gray Chapter" is the first new SLIPKNOT record since the 2010 death of bassist Paul Gray and the 2013 dismissal of drummer Joey Jordison.

JOURNEY kicked off its first-ever, nine-show residency at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada last night (Wednesday, April 29) . The residency, produced exclusively by AEG Live Las Vegas, continues through Saturday, May 16.

Fan-filmed video footage of last night's concert can be seen below.

JOURNEY is blazing hotter than ever with the lineup of founder Neal Schon (lead guitar and backing vocals), Jonathan Cain (keyboards and backing vocals), co-founder Ross Valory (bass and backing vocals), Deen Castronovo (drums, percussion and backing vocals) and Arnel Pineda (lead vocals). Through persistence and raw talent, the band has reached rare heights by selling more than 15 million copies of its "Greatest Hits" album, earning a total of 19 Top 40 singles, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, producing 25 gold and platinum albums and now headlining its first-ever residency at The Joint.

Since its formation in 1973, JOURNEY has kept the music alive with classic-rock radio airplay and a touring schedule unlike any other. TV series such as FOX's "Glee" and HBO's "The Sopranos" have also made the group's song, "Don't Stop Believin'", a sensation decades after its release.

"The Joint is known worldwide for bringing the biggest artists into an intimate musical playground," said Chas Smith, vice president of entertainment for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. "We're excited to add JOURNEY to our list of legendary resident acts that have performed at this venue."

"JOURNEY is an iconic band and their songs resonate with music enthusiasts across the board," remarked Bobby Reynolds, vice president of booking for AEG Live Las Vegas. "Fans will hear all of JOURNEY's timeless hits at The Joint. We cannot wait to offer concertgoers this epic experience."

Remaining show dates:

Friday, May 1 Saturday, May 2 Wednesday, May 6 Friday, May 8 Saturday, May 9 Wednesday, May 13 Friday, May 15 Saturday, May 16

Tickets to "Journey Las Vegas" start at $59.50 (plus applicable service fees) and are on sale at the Hard Rock Hotel Box Office, online at www.axs.com/journeylasvegas or by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX. For JOURNEY VIP packages including premier seats, exclusive gifts, pre-show receptions and more, please visit www.vipnation.com.

Chicago deathcore heavyweights, Oceano, have released a video for “The Taken”, from their new studio album, Ascendants, out via Earache Records. Directed by Orie McGinness of Enlighten Creative Studio, the new clip can be seen below:

Oceano frontman Adam Warren comments: "There are numerous accounts of The Taken across the globe. Some enlightening, some frightening, and others blurry images never to be retold. Skeptic or not they must be heard. The true Gods have greater purpose for us all."

 

 

Tracklisting:

"Nephilim”
"Transient Gateways"
"The World Engine"
"Dead Planet"
"The Taken"
"Dawn Of Descent"
"The Dulce Incident"
"Arc Of Creation"
"External Existence"

Album preview:

"Dawn of Descent" lyric video:

"Dead Planet":

Listen to Adam Warren discussing the ideas behind the album below:

 

Singer Mike Howe, who fronted METAL CHURCH from 1988 until 1994, has officially rejoined the band.

In the summer of 2014, METAL CHURCH suddenly found themselves in need of a new singer. As fate would have it, guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof was already in talks with Mike for another project that he was working on with SAXON drummer Nigel Glockler, so he decided to ask Mike to rejoin METAL CHURCH. Mike agreed, but true to form, didn't want to make it official until he knew for sure that the integrity of the new material was there.

Says Mike: "I didn't want to come back to METAL CHURCH just for nostalgia. It had to be for the right reasons. It had to be the best stuff we've ever written together or it just wouldn't be worth it to anyone, especially the fans."

Soon after, Kurdt and Mike began exchanging ideas and writing new material with the band. The end result sounds like "classic Mike Howe-era METAL CHURCH," according to Vanderhoof. "It's both heavy and melodic. Mike sounds the same as he did 20 years ago.

He adds: "This is going to be truly epic!!"

Drummer Jeff Plate comments: "Mike Howe is the ONLY singer for METAL CHURCH. He has a reputation of complete honor and respect. We can now take METAL CHURCH to the next level!"

Howe originally joined METAL CHURCH in the late '80s and released three albums with the band: "The Human Factor" (1989), "Blessing In Disguise" (1991) and "Hanging In The Balance" (1994). Mike was also the face of popular music videos "Date With Poverty" and "Badlands" that aired during MTV's heyday.

METAL CHURCH is currently in the process of working on its new album, to be released later this year via Rat Pak Records.

METAL CHURCH 2015 is:

Mike Howe (vocals)Kurdt Vanderhoof (guitar)Jeff Plate (drums)Steve Unger (bass)Rick VanZandt (guitar)